Abstract

Allergic diseases are among the most prevalent diseases in childhood and the prevalence and severity of them are very different throughout the world. For instance, asthma prevalence among different countries ranges from 1.6 to 36.8 (20 times more difference). In our study, we have analyzed prevalence and severity of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema symptoms among 3060 children between 13 and 14 years-of-age in the city of Yazd, Iran. Results have shown that the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema symptoms are 20.3, 42.7, and 14.8, respectively. Asthma prevalence among boys is significantly higher than in girls, however prevalence of recent eczema symptoms (presenting during the last year) among girls were reported in greater numbers. In this study, there are outstanding differences between the prevalence of diagnosed asthma and, moreover, symptoms of hidden asthma (night coughing, wheezing during activity). In addition, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and eczema symptoms are higher in comparison to the results of similar studies obtained from other cities in Iran.